Gordon Botting, director

As a local church pastor over the years, I learned that about 35 percent of our members don't pay tithe and about 55 percent do not contribute to the local church budget. Sometimes people stop giving deliberately because they are upset about church policies or personalities, but I believe the majority do not contribute because they don't think they can fit it into their budget. There just doesn't seem to be enough money to go around.

That's why I developed a practical four-day program to help our members, and guests from our communities, better manage their finances. During the last 10 years I've had the privilege of sharing the ABC's of Financial Freedom series with about 7,000 people in more than 300 churches. I help participants develop an action plan for their financial future and show them how to design and stay within a workable budget. More recently we've developed the ABC's of Financial Freedom Leaders Guide with PowerPoint presentation and overheads which enable local church members to lead The ABC's of Financial Freedom series themselves.

Contact: Email

High resolution photo of Gordon Botting

Personal Story: Terri Clark of the Hollister church writes: "Our family had two major credit cards and several smaller ones. We were $10,000 in debt, with no savings or investments to speak of. I had attended a three-day class on personal finance, but it was way over my head and left me confused." Then at Soquel campmeeting, she attended Dr. Botting's financial seminar and finally could understand and implement a money management program. "Two years later," she continued, "Our son is in his first year at Pacific Union College, we have a daughter at Monterey Bay Academy and another at our local church school. We have no debts, two credit cards that are paid off each month, and a small portfolio."

Financial Resource Materials

Sample Budget  (English)  (Spanish)  (French)

"the Stewpot" monthly bulletin insert:

• What is it?
  
• "Stewpot" samples:
  
  
  • Tithing
  • Credit Cards
  • Health-Weight

Carol Lowe, administrative secretary

Carol has worked in the Union office since 2000. Besides helping in the Stewardship Department, she assists in the Gift Planning & Trust Services and Literature Ministries departments and is secretary to the Union President.